India’s intercity private bus sector recorded 147.19 million passenger journeys between October 2025 and March 2026, marking a 24 per cent year-on-year increase, according to the latest India BusTrack report released by redBus. The report also estimated the sector’s gross ticketing value at INR 142.16 billion over the six-month period.
Operator Base Expands As Digital Adoption Grows
According to redBus, the number of active private bus operators increased to 6,858 during the period, up from 5,850 a year earlier, reflecting broader digitisation across the intercity bus segment. The average seat price declined 3 per cent year-on-year to INR 966, which the company attributed to the digitisation of shorter routes, while overall industry occupancy stood at 77 per cent.
“This edition of India BusTrack covers the second half of the last financial year from October 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. During this period, the intercity bus market grew by 24% in terms of passengers travelled compared to the same period last year,” said Prakash Sangam, CEO, redBus. He added that digitisation of short-route services contributed to a reduction in average seat prices while occupancy remained at 77 per cent.
AC And Sleeper Services Dominate Demand
The report stated that AC buses accounted for 72 per cent of journeys during the six months, compared to 67 per cent a year earlier. Sleeper buses represented 52 per cent of journeys, while hybrid buses contributed 34 per cent, indicating sustained demand for comfort-oriented and long-distance travel options.
redBus also reported that routes longer than 250 km accounted for 64 per cent of the total route mix across India’s private intercity bus network.
Route Network And Connectivity Continue To Expand
According to the report, the number of unique bus routes increased to 878,394 from 670,346 recorded during April–September 2025, while the number of connected towns rose to 12,551 from 11,177.
Maharashtra and Goa accounted for the largest share of total seat bookings at 16 per cent, followed by Tamil Nadu and Puducherry at 14 per cent. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana together contributed 11 per cent, while Karnataka accounted for another 11 per cent share.
Young Travellers And Smaller Cities Drive Volumes
The report highlighted that travellers aged between 18 and 36 years contributed 69 per cent of bookings on redBus, with the 26–36 age group accounting for the largest share. Male passengers represented 66 per cent of travellers during the period.
redBus further noted that smaller cities and towns continued to drive digital bus bookings, accounting for 62 per cent of journeys booked through the platform, while metro cities contributed 31 per cent.
Andhra Pradesh And Telangana Lead Occupancy Levels
The report placed a spotlight on Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, where occupancy levels reached 83 per cent, higher than the national average of 77 per cent. The average ticket price in the region stood at INR 1,016, above the all-India average of INR 966.
According to redBus, intra-regional travel accounted for 69 per cent of journeys within the two states, while Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Tirupati and Guntur emerged as major centres for passenger movement. Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Mumbai and Bhubaneswar were identified as key destinations for inter-regional travel from the region.